1953 Indianapolis 500

37th running of the Indianapolis 500 February 2025 37th Indianapolis 500 200px AAA May 30, 1953 Bill Vukovich Howard Keck 128.740 mi/h km/h on 3:53:01.69 Bill Vukovich Frank Coon & Jim Travers2011 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Media Guide Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation/IMS Public Relations 2011 Statistics 176 English https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2011-Indy-500-Media-Guide.pdf 138.392 mi/h km/h on Bill Vukovich (195) Ford Crestline Sunliner William Clay Ford Seth KleinFox Jack C. The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 Carl Hungness Publishing 4th 1994 22 English 0-915088-05-3 Henry Ford II 190,000Californian Leads Al But Two Laps; 5 Cars Crack Up https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5715300/ Corky Lamm The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 31, 1953 June 2, 2017 1952 1954 The 37th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 30, 1953. The event was part of the 1953 AAA National Championship, and was race 2 of 9 in the 1953 World Championship of Drivers. Bill Vukovich, after falling just short a year before, dominated the race, leading 195 of the 200 laps. Vukovich won the first of two consecutive "500" victories, finishing more than three minutes ahead of second place Art Cross. With the temperature in the high 90s (°F), and the track temperature exceeding 130 °F °C on, this race is often known as the "Hottest 500." Only twelve cars were running at the finish. Many starters needed relief drivers, and some relief drivers required their own relief drivers. Vukovich and Cross, however, both ran the full 500 miles solo. Owing to the excruciating conditions, driver Carl Scarborough dropped out of the race, and later died at the infield hospital due to heat prostration.Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years Brock Yates 2005 Da Capo Press 978-1-56025-770-7 https://books.google.com/books?id=_Vdkykk0KgEC&q=Carl+Scarborough+was+being+brought+in+with+heat+dead&pg=PA28 2011-06-23Dramatic Fight Fails to Save Scaborough https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press/146347128/ The Star Press 25 Newspapers.com May 31, 1953 April 30, 2024 Not only were drivers and crew members suffering from the intense heat, but spectators as well. According to one of the doctors at the infield hospital, the number of persons requiring treatment at the hospital was "beyond comprehension". This included at least eleven members of the Purdue Band, who marched and performed during pre-race ceremonies.Busiest Day for Hospital at Speedway https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press/146347191/ The Star Press 25 Newspapers.com May 31, 1953 April 30, 2024 Time trials On Friday May 15, one day prior to the opening of time trials, sixteen-year race veteran Chet Miller died in a crash in turn one.Brock Yates The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway Harper 1961 67 Going into the race, Miller was the 1-lap (139.600 mph) and 4-lap (139.034 mph) track record holder (139.600 mph), a mark that he set in 1952. After completing a fast lap of over 138 mph, Miller went low going into turn one. The back end got loose, then the car turned to the right and drove head-on into the outside retaining wall. The car slid along the outside wall for about 100 yards, and came to rest in the south short chute. Miller, was found dead of a basal skull fracture and brain hemorrhage and likely was killed instantly.16-Year Veteran's Novi Smacks Wall; Trials Open Today https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5672582/ The Indianapolis Star Bob Stranahan 1 Newspapers.com May 16, 1953 April 30, 2024 Saturday May 16 The first day of time trials was scheduled for Saturday May 15, but was rained out. Pole qualifying was rescheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m.Pole Position Attack Rest For Noon Today https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5672723/ The Indianapolis Star Bob Stranahan 53 Newspapers.com May 17, 1953 April 28, 2024 Sunday May 17 Morning rain delayed the start of time trials until about 2:20 p.m. Only twelve drivers managed to take to the track, and seven completed a qualifying attempt. Manny Ayulo was the first driver in the field, completing his run at a speed of 136.384 mph. Bill Vukovich won the pole position with a four-lap average speed of 138.392 mph, which was not a new track record. Vukovich famously completed his qualifying run in the rain. On his third lap, his car slid sideways going into turn one due to increasing dampness, but he stayed with it. On his fourth and final lap, as Vukovich was coming out of turn four, the skies opened up and a downpour ensued. The speed on his last lap slipped to 137 mph, but he nevertheless took the checkered flag. The track was closed and Vukovich secured the pole position.Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676180/ The Indianapolis Star Bob Stranahan 1 Newspapers.com May 18, 1953 April 28, 2024Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676264/ The Indianapolis Star Bob Stranahan 22 Newspapers.com May 18, 1953 April 28, 2024Yesterday's Qualifiers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676364/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com May 18, 1953 April 28, 2024 Pos Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph)114 Bill Vukovich139.147138.568138.739137.132138.392259 Fred Agabashian137.405138.376137.279137.132137.546359 Jack McGrath136.674137.153136.405136.178136.602488 Manny Ayulo136.240136.075136.6956136.529136.384532 Andy Linden135.196135.726136.446136.882136.060632 Tony Bettenhausen135.583136.529135.952136.033136.024755 Jerry Hoyt135.952135.399135.890135.685135.731 — 76 George Fonder wave off (twice) — — 16 Art Cross wave off — — 3 Sam Hanks wave off — — 62 Spider Webb wave off — — 4 Duane Carter did not take green flag — Source: The Indianapolis Star Saturday May 23 The third day of time trials opened with 26 spots still open in the starting grid. With as many as 66 cars in the paddock looking for a chance to qualify, the schedule for time trials was extended to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Time Lengthened for Trial Runs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677070/ The Indianapolis Star Corky Lamm 19 Newspapers.com May 23, 1953 April 28, 2024 A very busy day saw 45 total qualifying attempts; 27 cars completed an attempt. The field was filled to 33 cars, and one car (Joe Barzda) was bumped. Johnnie Parsons, the 1950 winner, was the fastest driver of the day. His speed of 137.667 mph wound up being the third-fastest overall in the field, but as a third day qualifier, he was forced to line up in 8th starting spot (middle of row 3). The threat of rain added to the urgency of the day. However, the rain held off throughout most of the afternoon. Two drivers (Marshall Teague and Eddie Johnson) exhausted all three of their allotted attempts. Teague slid sideways in turn two during his attempt, but would hold on to make the field. Johnson would later be bumped. No incidents were reported during the day. Art Cross threw a rod during his first attempt. He took over the car of Jimmy Reece, and qualified 12th. Among those not yet in the field was Henry Banks.Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677132/ The Indianapolis Star Corky Lamm 1 Newspapers.com May 24, 1953 April 28, 2024Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677264/ The Indianapolis Star Corky Lamm 53 Newspapers.com May 24, 1953 April 28, 2024 Pos Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes8 21 Johnnie Parsons 137.447 138.079 138.079 137.070 137.667 9 3 Sam Hanks 137.573 137.510 137.783 137.259 137.531 10 92 Rodger Ward 137.636 137.678 137.342 137.216 137.468 11 29 Bob Scott 136.633 138.525 138.058 136.529 137.431 12 16 Art Cross 136.157 137.552 137.994 137.552 137.310 13 41 Gene Hartley 137.741 137.489 136.882 136.945 137.263 14 23 Walt Faulkner 137.258 137.342 137.195 136.674 137.117 15 38 Don Freeland 136.934 136.426 137.531 136.591 136.867 16 97 Chuck Stevenson 135.767 136.674 136.861 136.945 136.560 17 7 Paul Russo 136.219 136.116 136.737 135.808 136.219 18 62 Spider Webb 135.501 136.550 136.157 136.467 136.168 19 73 Carl Scarborough 135.014 135.952 136.116 136.674 135.936 20 12 Ernie McCoy 135.583 135.767 136.654 135.706 135.926 21 48 Jimmy Daywalt 135.747 135.767 135.522 135.952 135.747 22 22 Marshall Teague 135.379 135.281 135.911 135.318 135.721 23 83 Mike Nazaruk 135.095 135.583 135.706 136.446 135.706 24 77 Pat Flaherty 136.612 136.137 135.014 134.912 135.668 25 2 Jim Rathmann 136.116 135.767 135.237 135.542 135.666 26 9 Duke Nalon 135.338 135.788 135.277 135.440 135.461 27 4 Duane Carter 135.440 134.912 135.665 135.054 135.267 Failed to Qualify — 26 Eddie Johnson 134.811 135.318 135.706 135.115 135.237 Bumped on 5/24 — 78 Cal Niday 134.852 135.420 134.389 135.054 134.827 Bumped on 5/24 — 36 Potsy Goacher 134.409 134.368 134.933 134.771 134.620 Bumped on 5/24 — 61 Bill Holland 134.329 134.934 134.088 134.409 134.439 Bumped on 5/24 — 74 Pat O'Connor 133.929 134.933 134.751 133.849 134.363 Bumped on 5/24 — 31 Len Duncan 133.909 133.018 133.591 133.432 133.487 Bumped on 5/24 — 69 Joe Barzda 121.918 Bumped by Holland Source: The Indianapolis StarHow They'll Line Up https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-0524-indy500-kval/97525211/ The Indianapolis Star 53 Newspapers.com May 24, 1953 April 30, 2024 Sunday May 24 Bump Day, the fourth and final day of time trials, was held on Sunday May 24. With the field already filled to 33 cars, the bumping process began right away. A total of six cars were bumped. Len Duncan was the first driver bumped for the day, after the successful run of Jimmy Bryan. Duncan later got in a backup car, but wrecked it in a practice run. Frank Armi spun out in turn two and also failed to make the race. Both Duncan and Armi would return to the make the race in 1954. Bill Holland, the 1949 winner, returned to Indianapolis after being suspended by AAA for competing in "outlaw" races. Holland's car from the previous Sunday was bumped, but he took over the John Finch machine. He put in a speed of 137.868 mph, and became the second-fastest car overall in the field. Johnnie Tolan got out on the track with five seconds left before the 7 o'clock gun. His speed of 134.852 mph, however, was too slow to make the field.Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677415/ The Indianapolis Star Corky Lamm 1 Newspapers.com May 25, 1953 April 28, 2024Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677489/ The Indianapolis Star Corky Lamm 21 Newspapers.com May 25, 1953 April 28, 2024 Pos Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes2869 Bill Holland 138.291 138.782 138.122 136.302 137.868 Bumps Goacher2951 Bob Sweikert 136.945 136.778 136.924 136.841 136.872 Bumps Holland3099 Cal Niday 135.624 136.075 136.405 136.405 136.096 Bumps Johnson318 Jimmy Bryan 133.665 135.870 135.257 135.237 135.506 Bumps Duncan3253 Jimmy Davies 135.014 134.610 135.583 136.013 135.303 Bumps Niday3356 Johnny Thomson 136.116 136.100 134.791 134.068 135.262 Bumps O'ConnorFailed to Qualify — 85 Johnnie Tolan 134.852 — 63 Danny Oakes — 10 Henry Banks — 74 Pat O'Connor — 76 George Fonder — 65 George Tichenor Source: The Indianapolis StarOfficial 500 Line-Up https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-0525-indy500-race/97525404/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com May 25, 1953 April 30, 2024 Carburetion Day - Tuesday May 26 The final practice was held on Tuesday May 26 in hot conditions. The ambient temperature topped out at 89 F, with a track temperature of 113 F. It would be a precursor for the hot weather in the forecast for race day.Heat May Test Tires And Men https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5700320/ The Indianapolis Star 29 Newspapers.com May 27, 1953 April 30, 2024 Starting grid RowInsideMiddleOutside 114 USA 1912 Bill Vukovich59 USA 1912 Fred Agabashian5 USA 1912 Jack McGrath 288 USA 1912 Manny Ayulo32 USA 1912 Andy Linden98 USA 1912 Tony Bettenhausen 355 USA 1912 Jerry Hoyt21 USA 1912 Johnnie Parsons gold W silver3 USA 1912 Sam Hanks 492 USA 1912 Rodger Ward29 USA 1912 Bob Scott16 USA 1912 Art Cross 541 USA 1912 Gene Hartley23 USA 1912 Walt Faulkner38 USA 1912 Don Freeland orange R silver 697 USA 1912 Chuck Stevenson7 USA 1912 Paul Russo62 USA 1912 Spider Webb 773 USA 1912 Carl Scarborough12 USA 1912 Ernie McCoy orange R silver48 USA 1912 Jimmy Daywalt orange R silver 822 USA 1912 Marshall Teague orange R silver83 USA 1912 Mike Nazaruk77 USA 1912 Pat Flaherty 92 USA 1912 Jim Rathmann9 USA 1912 Duke Nalon4 USA 1912 Duane Carter 1049 USA 1912 Bill Holland gold W silver51 USA 1912 Bob Sweikert99 USA 1912 Cal Niday orange R silver 118 USA 1912 Jimmy Bryan53 USA 1912 Jimmy Davies56 USA 1912 Johnny Thomson orange R silver orange R Indianapolis 500 rookie solid 1px darkgray gold W Indianapolis 500 winner solid 1px darkgray Alternates First alternate: Eddie Johnson (#26)The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004 – Bumped Second alternate: Johnnie Tolan orange R silver (#66, #85) – Too slow Failed to qualify All drivers from the United States unless stated. 28em Joe Barzda orange R silver (#69) – Bumped Potsy Goacher orange R silver (#36) – Bumped Pat O'Connor orange R silver (#28, #64, #74) – Bumped Len Duncan orange R silver (#31, #81) – Bumped George Fonder (#76) – Wave off Danny Oakes orange R silver (#63) – Too slow Henry Banks (#10) – Unsuccessful attempt George Tichenor orange R silver (#65) – Unsuccessful attempt Frank Armi orange R silver (#79) Alberto Ascari ITA (#97) – Did not appear Buzz Barton orange R silver (#35) Bill Boyd orange R silver (#86) Billy Cantrell orange R silver (#42) Neal Carter orange R silver (#23) George Connor (#25) Ray Crawford orange R silver (#49) Jorge Daponte ARG orange R silver (#95) Billy Devore (#28) Duke Dinsmore (#52) Bill Doster orange R silver Edgar Elder orange R silver (#49) Johnny Fedricks orange R silver (#46) John Fitch orange R silver (#49, #74) Gene Force (#48) Cliff Griffith (#24) Red Hamilton orange R silver (#91) Allen Heath orange R silver (#65) Al Herman orange R silver (#93) Jackie Holmes (#71) Bill Homeier orange R silver (#84, #87) Johnny Kay orange R silver (#67) Jud Larson orange R silver (#96) Jim Mayes orange R silver (#34) Johnny Mauro (#47) – Did not appear Chet Miller (#15) – Fatal accident Roy Newman orange R silver (#43) Jimmy Reece (#16) Johnny Roberts orange R silver (#82) Hal Robson (#57) Troy Ruttman gold W silver (#2) Eddie Sachs orange R silver (#34) Wayne Selser orange R silver (#75) Joe Sostilio orange R silver (#17) Harry Stockman orange R silver (#84) Bill Taylor orange R silver (#39) Leroy Warriner orange R silver (#44) Ebe Yoder orange R silver1953 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes http://www.champcarstats.com/races/195301.htm ChampCarStats.com 28 June 2015 Race summary First half Race day dawned hot, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. The command to start engines was given at 10:54 a.m., and the field pulled away for the pace lap. At start, Bill Vukovich took the lead from the pole position, and led the field into turn one. Manny Ayulo and Tony Bettenhausen battled for second as Vukovich pulled out to a comfortable lead. On lap 4, Andy Linden crashed in turn three. Jerry Hoyt spun to the infield grass to avoid the wreck. Linden was out, but Hoyt was able to continue in the race. The yellow light stayed on for about one lap, and Linden was not injured. Vukovich surrendered the lead during his first pit stop on lap 48. That put Fred Agabashian in the lead for one lap, followed by Jim Rathmann, then Sam Hanks for two laps. After the leaders cycled through their stops, Vukovich was back in the lead on lap 54. At the same time, Gene Hartley spun out in turn four bringing out the second yellow of the day. Hartley was taken to the infield hospital, but was released and would be able to serve as a relief driver later in the day. The grueling conditions were starting to take a toll on the field. Several cars dropped out with mechanical problems before the halfway point. Jimmy Davies came into the pits without brakes, and brushed the inside wall to slow the car down. He would stay in the race to finish 10th, but several laps down. When Duke Nalon came in for his pit stop, his crew dumped a bucket of water over his head. On lap 70, Carl Scarborough came into the pits, feeling sick from the heat and fumes. Due to a fuel spill, a small fire broke out on the side of the car. The fire was quickly extinguished, and Scarborough climbed over the pit wall where he collapsed onto a chair.Reed Terry Indy: The Race and Ritual of the Indianapolis 500 2005 Potomac Books 1574889079 163 https://archive.org/details/indyraceritualof00reed registration carl scarborough indianapolis 500. Bob Scott, who had already dropped out with an oil leak, took over behind the wheel. Scarborough was taken to the infield hospital where his temperature was recorded as 104 F. Physicians unsuccessfully performed open-heart massage, but he died of what was reported as heat prostration.Yates Brock Brock Yates November 8, 2005 Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years https://books.google.com/books?id=_Vdkykk0KgEC Da Capo Press 28 978-1-56025-770-7 2011-06-23Heat, heart disease fatal https://www.newspapers.com/article/66316539/ Decatur Sunday Herald and Review Associated Press May 31, 1953 https://web.archive.org/web/20230501220438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/66316539/ 2023-05-01 live According to speedway historian Donald Davidson, Scarborough may have inhaled carbon dioxide from the fire extinguishers, which may have contributed to, or been the actual cause of death. With 80 laps completed, Bill Vukovich was still leading, with Art Cross second and Fred Agabashian third. Don Freeland lost a wheel in turn one on the leader's lap 81, and he spun down to the infield grass. He was unhurt, but the car was finished. Johnnie Parsons dropped out with a blown engine on lap 86, and Duane Carter was out with ignition problems. Second half At the halfway point, Bill Vukovich led with Fred Agabashian in second and Sam Hanks in third. Agabashian came in for a pit stop on lap 104. Agabashian was overcome by the heat and the engine fumes, and had to be replaced in the cockpit by relief driver Paul Russo. Jim Rathmann did the same, handing his car over to Eddie Johnson on lap 113. Vukovich came in for his second pit stop on lap 112, followed by Hanks four laps later. Back out on the track, Vukovich had a 50-second lead over Hanks. Pat Flaherty hit the wall in the northchute on the leaders' lap 118. The yellow light was turned on for 6 minutes and 50 seconds to clean up the oil and fluids that spilled on the track. The next driver to fall by the wayside was Tony Bettenhausen. After completing 115 laps, Bettenhausen came into the pits signaling for a relief driver. Chuck Stevenson took over the car as Bettenhausen passed out and collapsed to the ground from the heat. After a lengthy period of rest, Jim Rathmann got back in the race. Rathmann took over the car of Bill Holland, but it ultimately broke down with a magneto failure. At the 150-lap mark (375 miles), Bill Vukovich had lapped the field. Manny Ayulo was running second, and Sam Hanks in third. Ayulo's day ended after 184 laps with engine failure. Hanks came in on lap 151, and he was the next to need a relief driver. Duane Carter got behind the wheel, but the team lost considerable time as the crew had to repair a broken exhaust pipe before he could get the car back out. Marshall Teague came in on lap 169 needing assistance climbing out of the car. Cal Niday was preparing to take over behind the wheel, but in the meantime, the crew discovered an irreparable oil leak and the car was done for the day. Bill Vukovich made his final pit stop on lap 171. Henry Banks was reportedly standing by in Vukovich's pit, with his helmet on ready to drive relief. Vukovich, however, refused the help and insisted on driving the full 500 miles solo. He drank a cup of water, poured some water down the back of his shirt, and went back out on the track. After witnessing this, radio network reporter Luke Walton labeled Vukovich the "ironman" of the race. Walton described the day as the "hottest day we've had in Hoosierland since Willkie accepted the nomination in Elwood back in 1940".Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 - Fleetwood Sounds, 1975 Vukovich cruised over the final 30 laps and won his first "500" by 3 minutes and 30 seconds (about 3 laps) over second place Art Cross. Duane Carter (driving the car of Sam Hanks) came home third, with Paul Russo (driving the car of Fred Agabashian) fourth. As Vukovich was headed to victory lane, the action on the track was still hot. Gene Hartley (driving Tony Bettenhausen's car) crashed, as did Duke Nalon. Officials flagged the race after the first eight cars finished. Only four other cars were still running. Box score FinishGridNo.DriverConstructorQualifyingLapsStatusPointsSpeedRankUSAC USAC Championship TrailWDC World Drivers' Championship 1 1 14 United States 1912 Bill Vukovich Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.39 1 200 128.740 mph 1000 91 1 2 12 16 United States 1912 Art Cross Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.31 8 200 +3:30.87 800 6 3 9 3 United States 1912 Sam Hanks(Duane Carter Laps 152–200) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.53 5 200 +4:11.50 532 168 2 2 4 2 59 United States 1912 Fred Agabashian(Paul Russo Laps 105–200) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.54 4 200 +4:39.24 315 285 1.5 1.5 5 3 5 United States 1912 Jack McGrath Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.60 13 200 +7:49.64 500 2 6 21 48 United States 1912 Jimmy Daywalt orange R silver Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.74 23 200 +8:10.21 400 7 25 2 United States 1912 Jim Rathmann(Eddie Johnson Laps 113–200) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.66 27 200 +8:46.02 169½130½ 8 20 12 United States 1912 Ernie McCoy orange R silver Stevens-Offenhauser 135.92 22 200 +10:04.55 250 9 6 98 United States 1912 Tony Bettenhausen(Chuck Stevenson Laps 116–159)(Gene Hartley Laps 160–196) Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.02 20 196 Accident 116 45 39 10 32 53 United States 1912 Jimmy Davies Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.26 31 193 -7 laps 150 11 26 9 United States 1912 Duke Nalon Kurtis Kraft-Novi 135.46 30 191 Accident 100 12 19 73 United States 1912 Carl Scarborough ✝(Bob Scott Laps 70–190) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.93 21 190 -10 laps 17½ 32½ 13 4 88 United States 1912 Manny Ayulo Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.38 15 184 Engine 14 31 8 United States 1912 Jimmy Bryan Schroeder-Offenhauser 135.50 29 183 -17 laps 15 28 49 United States 1912 Bill Holland gold W silver(Jim Rathmann Laps 142–177) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.86 2 177 Magneto 16 10 92 United States 1912 Rodger Ward(Andy Linden Laps 116–144)(Duke Dinsmore Laps 145–154) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.46 6 177 Axle 17 14 23 United States 1912 Walt Faulkner(Johnny Mantz Laps 135–) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.11 10 176 -24 laps 18 22 22 United States 1912 Marshall Teague orange R silver Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.72 25 169 Oil Leak 19 18 62 United States 1912 Spider Webb(Johnny Thomson Laps 113–157)(Jackie Holmes Laps 158–166) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.16 17 166 Oil Leak 20 29 51 United States 1912 Bob Sweikert Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.87 11 151 Suspension 21 23 83 United States 1912 Mike Nazaruk Turner-Offenhauser 135.70 26 146 Transmission 22 24 77 United States 1912 Pat Flaherty Kuzma-Offenhauser 135.66 28 115 Accident 23 7 55 United States 1912 Jerry Hoyt(Chuck Stevenson Laps 83–95)(Andy Linden Laps 96–107) Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.73 24 107 Overheating 24 27 4 United States 1912 Duane Carter Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.26 32 94 Ignition 25 17 7 United States 1912 Paul Russo Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.21 16 89 Magneto 26 8 21 United States 1912 Johnnie Parsons gold W silver Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.66 3 86 Engine 27 15 38 United States 1912 Don Freeland orange R silver Watson-Offenhauser 136.86 12 76 Accident 28 13 41 United States 1912 Gene Hartley Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.26 9 53 Accident 29 16 97 United States 1912 Chuck Stevenson Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.56 14 42 Fuel Leak 30 30 99 United States 1912 Cal Niday orange R silver Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.09 18 30 Magneto 31 11 29 United States 1912 Bob Scott Bromme-Offenhauser 137.43 7 14 Oil Leak 32 33 56 United States 1912 Johnny Thomson orange R silver Del Roy-Offenhauser 135.26 33 6 Ignition 33 5 32 United States 1912 Andy Linden Stevens-Offenhauser 136.06 19 3 Accident Note: Relief drivers in parenthesesChampCarStats.com https://www.champcarstats.com/races/195301.htm International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1953 gold W silver Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver Indianapolis 500 Rookie All entrants utilized Firestone tires. 1 1 – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap Race statistics Lap Leaders Laps Leader1–48 Bill Vukovich49 Fred Agabashian50 Jim Rathmann51–53 Sam Hanks54–200 Bill Vukovich Total laps led Driver LapsBill Vukovich 195Sam Hanks 3Fred Agabashian 1Jim Rathmann 1 Yellow Lights: 9 minutes, 28 seconds Laps* Reason4 Andy Linden crash in turn 3 (55 seconds)54 Gene Hartley spin in turn 4 (60 seconds)81 Don Freeland lost a wheel in turn 1 (43 seconds)118–122 Pat Flaherty crash in northchute (6:50)* – Approximate lap countsNotes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press/86586251/ The Star Press Bob Barnet 25 Newspapers.com May 31, 1953 April 21, 2024Notes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press/86586276/ The Star Press Bob Barnet 26 Newspapers.com May 31, 1953 April 21, 2024 Race notes Pole position: Bill Vukovich – 4:20.13 (4 laps) Fastest lead lap: Bill Vukovich – 1:06.240 The purse for first place was $89,496Brock Yates The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway Harper 1961 68 (US$ in US dollarsUS). One of the prizes awarded to the winner was a pet dog and a year's supply of dog food.The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 13, 2004 Broadcasting Radio The race was carried live flag-to-flag on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Instead of being produced by 1070 WIBC-AM, the network pooled together talent and technical staff from all five of the major radio stations in Indianapolis. The broadcast was anchored by Sid Collins, and featured on-air talent from WIBC, WFBM, WISH, WIRE, and WXLW.5 Stations To Handle 500-Mile https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18077155/ The Indianapolis Star 63 Newspapers.com May 24, 1953 March 7, 2018 The broadcast signed on at 10:45 a.m. local time, and carried live through the conclusion, until 3:45 p.m. local time. The broadcast was carried on 135 stations in at least 35 states across the country, and on Armed Forced Network to Europe and Asia. Towards the end of the race, chief announcer Sid Collins departed the booth in order to report from victory lane. Charlie Brockman, the color commentator and co-announcer, called the last few laps including the finish. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network Booth AnnouncersTurn ReportersPit/garage reportersChief Announcer: Sid Collins Color: Charlie Brockman Analyst: Chuck BreeceSouth Turns: Bill Frosch North Turns: Jim Shelton Trackside location: Dick Pittenger Trackside location: Robin BrightLuke Walton (north pits)Al Vare (south pits)Sid Collins (victory lane) World Drivers' Championship F1 USA Indianapolis 500 1953 5 30 1953 2 9 1953 Argentine Grand Prix 1953 Dutch Grand Prix File:Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1909-1956.svg Indianapolis Motor SpeedwaySpeedway, Indiana 2.500 4.023 200 500.000 804.672 Background The Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Championship of Drivers from 1950 through 1960. The race was sanctioned by AAA through 1955, and then by USAC beginning in 1956. At the time the new world championship was announced and first organized by the CSI, the United States did not yet have a Grand Prix. Indianapolis Motor Speedway vice president and general manager Theodore E. "Pop" Meyers lobbied that the Indianapolis 500 be selected as the race to represent the country and to pay points towards the world championship.The Talk of Gasoline Alley 1070 WIBC-AM May 23, 2007The Talk of Gasoline Alley WFNI May 19, 2016 Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers.The Talk of Gasoline Alley WFNI May 5, 2012 However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations.Capps Don Cameron Argetsinger Where Upon Our Scribe, Sherman, & Mr. Peabody Once Again Crank Up The Way-Back Machine for 1961.. AtlasF1 October 25, 2000 6 Rear View Mirror 43 http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/mal/mirror.html May 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120427115856/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/mal/mirror.html April 27, 2012 dead The drivers also earned separate points (on a different scale) towards the respective AAA or USAC national championships. No points, however, were awarded by the FIA towards the World Constructors' Championship. Summary The 1953 Indianapolis 500 was round 2 of 9 on the 1953 World Championship. The event, however, failed to attract interest from any of the regular competitors on the Grand Prix circuit. Race winner Bill Vukovich earned 9 points towards the World Championship (8 points for first place, and 1 point for the fastest lap). Despite not competing in any of the other World Championship events, he finished seventh in the final season standings. World Drivers' Championship standings after the race Pos Driver Points 10px 1 Italy Alberto Ascari 9 10px 16 2 USA 1912 Bill Vukovich 9 10px 1 3 Italy Luigi Villoresi 6 10px 14 4 USA 1912 Art Cross 6 10px 2 5 Argentina José Froilán González 4Source:https://www.statsf1.com/en/1953/indianapolis/championnat.aspx Indianapolis 1953 – Championship StatsF1.com 3 March 2019 Note: Only the top five positions are included. Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship. AAA Championship car standings after the race Pos Driver Points 10px 1 USA 1912 Bill Vukovich 1000 10px 2 USA 1912 Art Cross 800 10px 3 USA 1912 Sam Hanks 532 10px 4 USA Jack McGrath 500 10px 5 USA 1912 Jimmy Daywalt 400Source: Note: Only the top five positions are included. References 30em External links Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats – Official Site Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 – Fleetwood Sounds, 1975 1953 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network: Re-broadcast on "The History of the 500" – WFNI (May 12, 2013) 1953 Indianapolis 500Bill Vukovich 1953 1953 Argentine Grand Prix 1953 Dutch Grand Prix 1952 Indianapolis 500Troy Ruttman 1954 Indianapolis 500Bill Vukovich Category:Indianapolis 500 races Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Category:1953 in American motorsport Indy